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It's Fun to Play the Piano ... Please Pass It On!

So, I'm looking into various holiday music for all of my students to learn over the next few months. Since many of them are in the different levels of Piano Adventures, I was looking into them (though I'm curious as to what the difference is between the Christmas book and the Supplementary Christmas (eg. Playtime, Showtime, etc.) books on the basic level).

Are there any other ideas for books I could also use? What are some holiday collections you've had success with? I'm hoping to place orders soon. Thanks!

Dennis Alexander has some terrific materials for late elementary to late intermediate levels. His arrangements are refreshing, creative, and pedagogically sound. I have several of my students playing his pieces at our upcoming recital on Dec 15, and the audience doesn't know it yet, but they're in for a treat!

I enjoy trolling estate sales and have found some lovely old books that some of my more 'advanced' students can play. I have written on large post-it notes on the front to list what skills and knowledge are needed since I cannot lock them into a level.I find my biggest challenge is to not have the same songs done by all my students at recital. I keep a running list, and offer song suggestions for each student, keeping repeated selections off the table.I did have a crazy idea this year-I have a dozen or so versions of "Jingle Bells" and considered having five different ways played by five different students. But, that might drive the parents crazy...So, now I have to decide which student gets that oh so coveted piece?

I have a dozen or so versions of "Jingle Bells" and considered having five different ways played by five different students. But, that might drive the parents crazy...So, now I have to decide which student gets that oh so coveted piece?

I don't think that's crazy at all! It wouldn't drive me insane either, so long as the pieces are 'different' enough to be interesting.

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A linguistics major who loves piano and knows too much theory/history without knowing how to play it as well as he wants to be able to.

Let's hope that changes. Taught piano for almost two years and currently working on:"Going back to the basics..."